William Carey University
William Carey University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
William Carey University at a Glance
William Carey University is a private Christian university in Mississippi, United States. The institution is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The main campus is in Hattiesburg and a second campus is in the Tradition community north of Biloxi. The school gained official university status in 2006.
1892
134 years old
5,641
3,264 undergrad
190
120 acres
Identity
Is William Carey University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, William Carey University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,087 — 20% below average — while paying $14,258/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at William Carey University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How William Carey University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #6 of 51 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Mount St. Joseph University | 43 | $16,530 | $51,509 |
| #3 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
| #4 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 40 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| #5 | Olivet Nazarene University | 39 | $20,729 | $53,213 |
| #6 | William Carey University | 38 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of William Carey University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at William Carey University
The highest-earning program at William Carey University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $20,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from William Carey University earns $54,400, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $20,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,449 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,258/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,400 | $54,400 | $22,449 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,000 | $33,000 | $22,070 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $27,500 | $27,500 | $24,047 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,200 | $22,200 | $19,500 |
| Psychology, General | $20,200 | $20,200 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hattiesburg, MS
- Student Body
- 2,201 students
- Admission Rate
- 60%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,258
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,087
- Median Student Debt
- $20,832